Field Hospital – Hospital Sainte Croix officially opens
On Sunday Feb 14 the docs, nurses, staff started moving into the new field hospital donated to World Wide Village which will be named Hospital Sainte Croix. Two cases were done in the new operating room. 12 -15 more were scheduled for the next day. Attached are photos courtesy of Kara Talesmanick.
This is a major step in our efforts to provide care But we still have a long way to go. The current structure is a shell which needs to be outfitted. Some of the basic things needed are:
-water supply (running water not from buckets)
-latrines
-oxygen source
-equipment for the operating room - operating room table(s), delivery table, anesthesia machine, monitors, sterilization equipment and supplies, etc
This is to mention just a few. But one should realize and take thanks that we have come a long way in the past 4-5 weeks. When working out of Leogane Shock Trauma – the nursing school - the number of patients seen and operations performed was miraculous given the circumstances, the fact we started with nothing, had to bring all supplies in and recruit docs/nurses/support staff on practically no notice. Over 7,000 patients have been evaluated and treated, over 250 operations performed and we are averaging 2-3 deliveries per day, many by c-section. Incredible is an understatement!
We must keep the effort going and try to remind others the need is still great. The Olympics will distract most of the world from the continued need. As we start we the rainy season – a whole set of problems will start. Please share these updates with as many as possible to keep the interest.
Please look for anyone interested in donating needed equipment. Full needs list to come.
Ralph
[Top: Sick Bay; Bottom: Water system]
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